Mexico kicks off series with no-no, defeats Aruba in strong defensive battle (2024)

PLAY OF THE GAME — In a game where scoring was at a premium, Mexico catcher Ulises Ortiz made the most out of the team’s first real scoring opportunity in the second inning. After launching a well-placed seam over Aruba center fielder Arnold Martha’s head, he’d get in scoring position off a sacrifice bunt. Then, with Aruba distracted on a passed ball, he took a chance, turning his advancement to third into a sprint for home. Even with Aruba catching on and responding as well as it could, he’d slide safe just in time – with the call getting confirmed after a review.

MEXICO PLAYER OF THE GAME — Antonio Guerrero, P – From his very first batter faced, Mexico starting pitcher Antonio Guerrero showed what he was capable of on the grander stage. He’d strike out said batter, replicating that eleven more times and ultimately, posting a no-hitter through five innings. With that effort, he played a key role in stifling Aruba’s momentum from the jump.

ARUBA PLAYER OF THE GAME – Naivmar Angela, P – Though Guerrero outshined him through the pitcher’s duel, that doesn’t take away from how well starting pitcher Naivmar Angela performed. His stats don’t jump off the page, as he posted just three strikeouts, but he did a great job setting up his field to make plays. On the day, he surrendered just two runs (one earned), three hits and one walk – keeping Aruba within striking distance till the end. He also made multiple force outs, displaying great poise on infield balls.

BIG INNING– Through Guerrero’s stellar day, the only signs of give came early on, when the pitcher issued a walk in back-to-back innings in the second and third. But he really stepped it up in the fourth, post three straight strikeouts to retire the side and kicking off a streak of eight strikeouts. Mexico’s offense built on that momentum in the bottom of the period, upping its lead to 2-0 to give the team some more assurance heading into the closing stretch.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Matamoros Mexico Ulises Ortiz celebrates after hitting a single in the second inning against Aruba Wednesday.

BEST EFFORT– With Mexico threatening to add to its lead in the third inning, Dominic Balderas nailed a seam deep into center field, placing it well and giving his teammate a chance to get into scoring position. But Aruba centerfielder Arnold Martha was quick to react, diving to secure the line out. The effort helped Aruba keep its deficit at 1-0 – in a game where every run would count.

FLASHING LEATHER– After relieving Guerrero ahead of the sixth, Mexico closing pitcher Raul Hernandez Jr. was immediately met with a laser from the bat of Aruba first baseman Henry Kransen that threatened to fly right past him – giving him a tough play to make coupled with the pressure of maintaining the team’s no-no. But he was able to adjust just in time to catch the liner, making it looking instinctual and showing off his reflexes. He’d go on to post back-to-back strikeouts to close out the no hitter for the team.

WHAT THE ADULTS SAY– “It’s very good to win the first game, to start of the series winning,” said Mexico manager Jorge Villafranca after the game. “We talked to (the kids) about momentum, keeping them focused on the game, and we played very good baseball tonight.”

WHAT THE KIDS SAY– “I was a little nervous in the first inning, but then I started to do well,” said Mexico starting pitcher Antonio Guerrero. “The crowd and pitching at the series for the first time (made me nervous.)”

WHAT IT MEANS– With the win, Mexico is set to face Venezuela in the second round of the international bracket, with that matchup taking place at 1 p.m. on Friday at Volunteer Stadium. Aruba is sent down to the consolations, where it will take on the loser of Cuba and Czech Republic at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Volunteer stadium.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette CorrespondentMatamoros, Mexico pitcher Antonio Guerrero delivers a pitch in the first inning.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette CorrespondentMatamoros Little League Mexico short stop Raul Hernandez, Jr. fields a ground ball for an out at first base in the first inning of game one against Aruba Center Little League Wednesday.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette CorrespondentAruba Center Little League's Arnold Martha (13) attempts a bunt in the second inning of game one against Matamoros Mexico Wednesday.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette CorrespondentAruba Center Little League third baseman Diliano Raven scoops up a ground ball for an out at first base in the first inning of game one against Matamoros Mexico Wednesday.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette CorrespondentAruba Center Little League second baseman Diliano Raven scoops up a ground ball for an out at first base in the first inning of game #1 against Matamoros Mexico Wednesday.